In the picturesque coastal town of Kindlem, nestled in the serene Canacona region of Goa, a story of grit and determination continues to inspire. Ankur Kankonkar, a young entrepreneur who lost his sight at an early age, is reshaping the definition of success. His journey is not merely about overcoming a physical challenge—it’s about embracing the true power of vision, both literal and metaphorical.
A Journey Marked by Challenges
Ankur’s early life unfolded in the embrace of a loving, close-knit joint family. Like most children, he reveled in the simple joys of childhood—sports, academics, and an early passion for theater. In his formative years, his vision was normal, and he thrived in his environment, often leading school activities and excelling in competitions. However, a move to Margao for higher education marked the beginning of a different chapter. “In Canacona, I was a big fish in a small pond. In Margao, I felt lost,” he reflects on how the transition disrupted his academic focus. This sense of alienation led to a drop in his grades, prompting him to return to Canacona to complete his schooling.
After finishing his secondary education, Ankur pursued a degree in Pharmaceutical Science, though with hindsight, he admits, “Looking back, it was one of the worst decisions of my life.” His true passion lay elsewhere, but he grappled with a field that failed to ignite his enthusiasm. At this crossroads, Ankur faced an even more profound challenge: his vision deteriorated.
Diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa, a degenerative eye condition, Ankur’s sight gradually diminished during his college years. His condition worsened, making it difficult to read from the board or engage in daily tasks. Despite consulting multiple doctors, the prognosis was grim—there was no cure. “I lost confidence and felt like I was merely existing, trying to get through each day,” Ankur admits.
A Turning Point: Technology as a Lifeline
In the face of this adversity, technology emerged as Ankur’s saving grace. Installing a screen reader on his devices marked a turning point in his life. “With technology, I began to see a way forward,” he says, underscoring how tools like these opened up new possibilities. During this period, he learned about Kartik Sawhney, a trailblazer who became the first blind person in India to pursue science beyond class X. Inspired by Kartik’s journey, Ankur made a pivotal decision: he would reappear for his twelfth-grade mathematics and computer science exams, subjects he had initially skipped. This determination led him to Parvatibai Chowgule College, where he enrolled in a Computer Science degree.
Securing admission to the college was not easy. Ankur recalls the bureaucratic hurdles that threatened to derail his dream, but he persisted. “I don’t give up easily. I kept visiting officials until I was finally accepted,” he recalls with pride. Under the mentorship of Ananya Das, Ankur excelled, earning distinction in his first year and eventually topping the university with an outstanding 94.5%—a record that remains unbroken, achieved while adjusting to life with a disability.
The Entrepreneurial Spark
After completing his Master’s degree, Ankur’s career journey led him to the daunting world of job interviews. However, he soon realized that he was more suited to being on the other side of the table, conducting interviews rather than sitting through them. This epiphany sparked the founding of AnklyticX, a data analytics and management consulting firm, in 2019, alongside a group of friends.
However, Ankur’s entrepreneurial path was far from smooth. The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic posed immense challenges—partners left, and financial strain set in. But Ankur’s perseverance shone through. “I had to decide whether to give up or push forward,” he recalls. Opting for the latter, he found new opportunities, including a significant project with the United Nations. This collaboration, in part facilitated by his friendship with Kartik Sawhney, played a crucial role in securing AnklyticX’s position in the competitive market.
Today, AnklyticX stands as a testament to Ankur’s resilience and vision. The company continues to flourish, and Ankur’s hard work earned him the Best Disabled Employer Award in 2022. Reflecting on his success, he attributes his achievements to his unique perspective. “My disability shaped my path. Without it, I might have settled for the conventional ‘middle-class dream’ instead of chasing my true ambitions.”
Advocacy: A Voice for Disability Rights
Ankur’s entrepreneurial success is only one facet of his remarkable journey. Beyond business, he has become a passionate advocate for disability rights. Through public speaking, including his powerful TEDx Talk titled “From Darkness to Light,” Ankur has shared his story of perseverance. “Speaking comes naturally to me,” he says, highlighting the importance of using his voice to inspire and empower others.
Ankur’s mission is to challenge society’s perception of disability, urging people to look beyond the label and recognize the abilities of every individual. “If you remove the ‘dis’ from disability, what remains is ‘ability,’” he asserts, emphasizing that a person’s potential should never be judged by physical limitations.
His advocacy extends beyond words—he actively mentors individuals with disabilities, guiding them through life’s challenges and helping them seize opportunities. Ankur encourages society to embrace empathy and understanding, reminding everyone of life’s unpredictability. “Disability can affect anyone at any time. I’m a living example of that,” he states. His message is simple yet profound: “Don’t treat a person with disabilities as a burden. We may be viewed as liabilities, but in fact, we are the opposite.”
The Road Ahead: Expanding Horizons
With an unwavering commitment to his cause, Ankur has set his sights on furthering AnklyticX’s success and creating an organization dedicated to supporting individuals with disabilities. He envisions a future where inclusivity is not just a concept but a reality. “We need a collective effort to create a truly inclusive society,” he says, urging people to join him in this mission.
As a seasoned entrepreneur, Ankur offers invaluable advice to those entering the business world: “Fail fast and learn faster. Entrepreneurship is mostly about navigating failure. Embrace it, as it’s part of the journey.” His words resonate with aspiring leaders, emphasizing that setbacks are not roadblocks but stepping stones on the path to success.
A Life Rich with Passion
Outside of his professional pursuits, Ankur remains dedicated to personal growth. He reads a book every week, constantly expanding his knowledge and perspectives. A lifelong fan of football and cricket, these hobbies provide a welcome respite, reminding him that despite life’s challenges, it can still be filled with joy and fulfillment.
Ankur Kankonkar’s story is not just about overcoming adversity—it is a powerful testament to the human spirit’s ability to rise, innovate, and inspire. His journey proves that even when one loses their sight, one can gain a vision for the future that is unshakable. Ankur’s ongoing journey continues to light the way for others, showing that true vision is not found in the eyes, but in the will to succeed.
As he looks to the future, Ankur’s legacy is clear: it is not defined by his disability but by his unyielding determination to create opportunities, empower others, and inspire a world that sees beyond limitations.
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